Coix lachryma-jobi, L. India: seeds eaten by the Bhil people.
The seed is enclosed in a hard shell which has to be broken by pounding or
rough grinding. It is either mixed with Panicum colonum, L. [POACEAE] or
Zea mays, L. [POACEAE] and made into bread. It is also prepared like
rice. Its taste is reported to be similar to wheat. Chemical composition (grams
/100g): Protein = 18.81g. Fat = 6.2g. Carbohydrate (soluble) = 59.55g. Fibre =
1.28g. Ash = 3.4g. Water = 10.74g. Calories = 378. Vernacular name - (Bhil
group): Kasaiya. Ref. PATON & DUNLOP.

Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees. India: seeds and shoots eaten. It has been
recommended that, if the various Indian state forest departments take interest
in utilizing the immense forest wastes of deformed, stunted, or lean [bamboo]
shoots, another flourishing food industry could be developed in India, as has
been done in Japan. Vernacular name: Male Bamboo. Ref. LAL et al,
WATT.

Panicum maximum, Jacq. Tanzania (Ngindoland): grain gathered in sifting
trays held by the harvesters who rub the ripe grass between their palms. The
grains are roasted, dried thoroughly, and then pounded. They are then boiled
and eaten salted or unsalted, and/or with a relish. Vernacular name -
Ngindo: Lumbunga. Ref. CROSS-UPCOTT, TAIRA.